What usually causes orchitis?

Orchitis is usually caused by factors such as bacterial infection, viral infection, trauma, spread of urinary tract infection, or immune response. There are five main types: bacterial orchitis, viral orchitis, traumatic orchitis, secondary orchitis and autoimmune orchitis.

1. Bacterial orchitis

Bacterial orchitis is mostly caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through retrograde infection of the urinary tract. Patients may experience symptoms such as testicular swelling and fever. Treatment requires the use of antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets, cefixime capsules, etc. as directed by the doctor. At the same time, scrotal elevation can be used to reduce symptoms. Bed rest is required in the acute stage.

2. Viral orchitis

Viral orchitis is common in mumps virus infection and is more common in adolescents. Typical manifestations are unilateral testicular swelling and pain accompanied by parotid gland enlargement. The main treatment is antiviral drugs such as ribavirin granules, combined with ibuprofen sustained-release capsules to relieve pain. The course of the disease usually lasts 1-2 weeks, and severe cases can lead to testicular atrophy.

3. Traumatic orchitis

Inflammatory reactions may occur secondary to local tissue damage after testicular trauma. The clinical manifestations are persistent swelling and pain after trauma, which may be accompanied by hematoma. Immediate cold compress and medical examination are required to rule out emergencies such as testicular torsion. Treatment includes bed rest, scrotal immobilization, and, if necessary, the use of blood-activating and blood-stasis-removing drugs such as Yunnan Baiyao capsules.

4. Secondary orchitis

The spread of inflammation in adjacent organs such as urinary tract infection and prostatitis can lead to secondary orchitis. Patients often have primary symptoms such as frequent urination and painful urination. Treatment requires the use of antibiotics such as azithromycin dispersible tablets for the primary disease, and hot compresses can be used to relieve testicular discomfort. Patients with chronic prostatitis are prone to recurrence.

5. Autoimmune orchitis

Abnormal immune system attacks on testicular tissue can lead to chronic inflammation, often seen in people with autoimmune diseases. It manifests as recurring dull pain in the testicles, which may be accompanied by infertility. Diagnosis needs to be combined with immunological examinations, and immunosuppressants such as prednisone tablets can be used for treatment, but side effects need to be strictly monitored.

To prevent orchitis, you need to pay attention to keeping the perineum clean and dry, and avoid behaviors that compress the scrotum such as cycling for long periods of time. Sexual life should be prohibited during the acute phase, and the diet should be light and rich in vitamin C. When symptoms such as persistent testicular pain and fever occur, you should seek medical treatment promptly to avoid delaying treatment and causing damage to testicular function. During the recovery period, levator ani exercises can be performed appropriately to promote local blood circulation.